Teaching principal plate tectonic processes by means of analogue modeling

Abstract

Analogue sand models have been used to demonstrate, how the principal plate tectonic processes work. A simple and versatile sandbox was built and used for the experiments. The principle of this apparatus was suggested by F. K. Lehner with a passive backstop and a basal mylar sheet, which is pulled underneath for studies of compressional tectonics. Boundaries of divergence can be modeled by turning back the direction of movement of the mylar sheet and transform faults by dividing the mylar sheet into a moving and a stationary half. The three principal kinds of plate boundaries can be modeled with single layer sand-packs producing grabens, thrusts and strike slip faults. The results can be correlated with geological structures in nature. Sandbox experiments can also be run between glass sidewalls. Observations can be made through the glass enabling the sequential development of faults and structures to be analyzed. It is suggested, that lessons learned from he models are used for introductory geology courses at universities or high schools.